LEVEL: Easy
USE: Outlines, stems, lettering, and as a filling
OTHER NAMES: Outline stitch, crewel stitch
The stem stitch is one of the most used outline stitches. For a smooth finish, you should use untwisted threads such as stranded cotton or silk threads.
The stem stitch can be worked on any kind of fabric – plain weave or even weave. In the video tutorial, I am using DMC Stranded Cotton on linen blend.
Watch Video Tutorial
You will find this stitch also under other names, such as crewel stitch or outline stitch. Let’s see the difference between the stem stitch, outline stitch, and crewel stitch.
Stem stitch – when working vertically you’ll be holding the loop to the right-hand side. When working horizontally, your loop should be below the needle.
Outline stitch – when working vertically if you’re holding the loop to the left-hand side the stem stitch is also known as the outline stitch. When working horizontally, your loop should be above the needle.
Crewel stitch – when used as a filling stitch, the stem stitch is also known as the crewel stitch.
In the photo above, you can see the stem stitch is used to embroider the white outlines for the Daisy Garden pattern.
Here’s a close-up with the stem stitch in action. As you notice, this stitch creates a beautiful finish when sewing on an intricate curve.
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More Embroidery Stitches
- Double Running Stitch Video Tutorial
- Back Stitch Video Tutorial
- Running Stitch Video Tutorial
- Whipped Running Stitch Video Tutorial
What is your favorite embroidery stitch? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to tag @makenstitch on Instagram or hashtag it #makenstitch so we can connect!
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